PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Gregor Saabo (ranked 23832 p4p, 4340 weight class) and JJ Moss (ranked 206 p4p, 46 weight class). JJ Moss is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Saabo
vs
Moss

203 cm
22
289
2 - 4 - 0

177 cm
25
175
6 - 5 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Very quick

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
Granite chin

EFC Threads

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 4 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Gregor Saabo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, JJ Moss!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Johanna Lukiainen and Marco Blurström.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Saabo looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Saabo misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Saabo misses with a head kick.

Saabo looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Moss trying to control but Saabo postures up.
Saabo knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Moss on the ground.
Moss is looking to improve his position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Moss actively working from the bottom here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Moss wants to control but Saabo is keeping busy.
Moss wants to improve his position but Saabo is controlling well.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Moss looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Moss makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Moss.
Saabo stopping the sweep attempt from Moss.

Moss looking for a guillotine here but Saabo defends easily.
Moss is trying to control the position but Saabo postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Moss has a closed guard, preventing Saabo from standing up.
Saabo has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Moss looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Saabo will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

Moss throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Moss trying to keep a closed guard but Saabo is proving a slippery customer.
Moss is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Moss has his foot on Saabo's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Saabo works his way back into a safe position though.

Moss has his foot on Saabo's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Saabo works his way back into a safe position though.
Saabo wants to stand but Moss is controlling his posture from full guard.

Moss is looking for a triangle but Saabo pushes his legs off easily.
Moss is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Saabo would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Moss has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Saabo can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Saabo avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Moss looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but JJ Moss will probably get the nod.
That's time! Saabo's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Saabo throws a sloppy head kick and Moss moves out of range easily.
Moss misses with a low kick.

Saabo gets the takedown into side control.
Saabo working away.
Moss regains half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Moss gets full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Moss throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Saabo trying to stand up but can't free himself from Moss's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Moss throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Moss is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Saabo defends well.

Saabo gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
That kick from Saabo tenderised Moss's leg. Moss is trying to keep his angry face on.
Moss misses with a low kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Moss fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Saabo checks it well.

Saabo scores with a takedown into Moss's guard.

Moss is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Saabo wants to stand but Moss has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

Moss has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Saabo can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Moss looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Moss lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Moss throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Moss stops Saabo from standing up.
Moss throws an elbow that misses. Saabo uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Moss's guard. Nice move by Saabo!

Moss looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Moss wants to sweep but no luck.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Moss is pulling down on Saabo's head. It's preventing any offense from Saabo, at least for the moment.
Moss has a closed guard, preventing Saabo from standing up.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Moss has his foot on Saabo's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Saabo works his way back into a safe position though.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Gregor Saabo will probably get the nod.
That's time! Saabo's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Saabo throws a sloppy head kick and Moss moves out of range easily.
Moss avoids the head kick by Saabo.
Moss throws a leg kick but Saabo sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Saabo throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

Saabo decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.

Moss looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Moss looking for submissions off his back.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The fighters are battling for position here. Moss manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

Moss is looking for a triangle here but Saabo uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Moss wants to control but Saabo postures up.
Moss manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Moss is keen to just control but Saabo is a slippery customer.
Saabo looks like he's trying to stand up.

Moss is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Moss is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Saabo pushes Moss off looking to stand but Moss dives back in and keeps control.
Moss with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
JJ Moss has got the better of the ground game so far.
Moss throwing shots but Saabo is blocking nicely.
Moss stalling.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saabo is not content to let Moss control the position.
Moss stalling away here and it's allowed Saabo to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
Saabo can't keep his opponent in guard - Moss advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.

Moss seems to be working for a kimura but Saabo defends the submission attempt.
Moss perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Saabo is refusing to be controlled, as Moss sits in half guard.

Moss is working for a kimura but Saabo is defending it quite comfortably.
Moss is trying to control the action in half guard but Saabo is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Moss is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Saabo has managed to free his arm - good work.
Moss with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but JJ Moss just about did enough to take it.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Moss tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Saabo throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Nice sprawl there from Saabo as Moss shoots in.

Moss gets caught flat footed, as Saabo shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Saabo wants to stand but Moss is controlling his posture from full guard.
Moss has been taking part in the yoga sessions down at EFC Gym. Presumably he's going to look for a slick submission... Or maybe he's looking to avoid one.

Moss looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Saabo has picked Moss up and slammed him! Moss can't keep hold of the triangle and Saabo manages to pass to side control!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Moss keeps Saabo under control for a moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Moss manages to work his way to half guard, despite Saabo's best efforts.
Moss has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Saabo is working away from the top position though.
The fighters are battling for position here. Moss manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

Moss looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Saabo wants to stand and escape but instead Moss has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.

Moss wants to control from the top but Saabo keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saabo wants to stand but Moss is controlling the position.
Moss slips nicely into half guard.

Moss seems to be working for a kimura but Saabo defends the submission attempt.
Saabo tries to kick Moss off but Moss keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Moss seems to be looking for submissions.
Moss trying to control from half guard but Saabo is working away.
Moss not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Moss is trying to control the action in half guard but Saabo is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

Moss is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Saabo is just riding it out for now. Moss eventually gives up the hold.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.

Moss seems to be looking for submissions.
Moss takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Moss is looking to take a break and control but Saabo is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Moss takes a head kick and keeps coming.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Gregor Saabo.
I have no idea who won that fight. Let's wait and see whether the judges are as confused as me! Time for a split decision perhaps?!. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.

Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight for JJ Moss!
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight for JJ Moss!
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight for JJ Moss!

JJ Moss wins by unanimous decision!
JJ Moss really struggled to get his t-shirt on before his hand was raised. Making sure that EFC Threads logo gets some air time is pretty tricky when you're all sweaty.